How to make a good impression on a first date

The rise and rise of online dating means the girl of your dreams is only a few screen taps away. Sadly, the same can be said for every red-blooded male with a functioning index finger. And therein lies the problem. With the proliferation of hook-up apps like Tinder, meeting a range of suitors in a short amount of time has never been easier for women, and persuading her to disconnect from an increasingly sexualised cyberspace is more difficult than ever.

To tip the balance in your favour we've teamed up with a selection of the UK's top dating coaches to provide the blueprint for a perfect date.

Confidence

An indecisive man, unable to choose a venue without nervously asking for approval, is invariably single. Don't make this common dating mistake: have a bar in mind and take the lead; this shows a confident nature that is immediately attractive. Always avoid dinner for a first date because it leaves you with no escape route and can lead to silences  filled awkwardly by comments about the food.

Once you meet up  arrive five minutes early; theres little ruder than tardiness  get a compliment in amid the early small talk. "Something specific like, 'I love that dress you are wearing'", advises dating coach Jo Barnett. Just remember to make a distinction between complimentary and creepy.

Contact

Your first physical contact is a building block for further intimacy; dates that begin with an officious handshake rarely end well. "As soon as you meet, go in for a hug and a kiss on the cheek," says dating coach Michael Valmont. "It immediately shows that you are physically confident." Once you're over the initial barrier, build on it; any touching from the hand to the shoulder is a safe bet. Just be careful with your aim after a couple of drinks.

Conversation

When you arrive at the bar carefully choose a table far from any raucous customers. If youve chosen a venue with an ear-splitting soundtrack, youre probably beyond our help. "If you cant hear each other you're not relaxed, and if youre not relaxed there wont be any flirting," says dating coach Mary Balfour. There are only so many variations of 'what?' you can use before you're smiling and nodding in the vain hope she was making a joke.

However, just because you can hear each other this doesn't give you free reign to talk about yourself non-stop. Never be talking more than 50% of the time; her feigned interest in your monologue means she's polite, nothing more. Do your homework on her interests and ask her meaningful questions. A few conversational landmines to avoid: what you want from a relationship, your ex and your car.

Finally, if its going well and you want to kiss her, don't wait until the end of the date. Youre not Hugh Grant. This isnt a bad rom com. Lunging in awkwardly as you leave her at the tube station can undo a lot of good work. Ramp up the intimacy throughout the date and, if possible, score a quick kiss before she's fishing for her Oyster.

Video: 12 Things That Ruin a First Impression Immediately

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